Greetings!
The Gout Education Society is committed to raising public awareness of gout and arming people—like you—with resources to help you better understand gout and treatment options.
If you suffer from gout, you know that it is both serious and painful. In fact, many with gout say that even a bed sheet touching their inflamed joint is unbearable! While gout is a lifelong disease, it can be managed with the right treatment plan—and with a few tips, you'll be on the path to trick your gout in no time.
Gout is caused when the body has too much uric acid,
which can accumulate in the joints. Without treatment, this accumulation of uric acid can lead to the development of crystals in your joints and, over time, painful gout flares and other long-term complications. Normally, flares are likely to return unless the underlying problem (high uric acid) is treated properly.
If you're experiencing painful gout flares, talk to your doctor about your medication options. Uric acid-lowering medications must be continued for life, but you can live with fewer flares (or even zero flares) with the right treatment plan. You'll also likely need to make some important diet and lifestyle changes, such as getting moderate, daily exercise and eating a healthy, balanced diet.
